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Friday, 23 January 2015

The Cambridges Jet to Mustique, Vote for Kate's Best Hat & More!

Hello, dear readers,

William, Kate and George woke up on the Caribbean island of Mustique today, kicking off their annual holiday to the paradise location with the Middleton family.

The royals were spotted arriving in St. Lucia en route from London. There's speculation photos were taken at the airport, but it remains to be seen if/when these will be published. However, it's possible Hello! will have an exclusive once again this year. Below we see Kate and Prince George arriving for last year's vacation...

Hello! Magazine

According to one passenger Prince George was very well behaved on the flight and occupied by a toy giraffe. It's been suggested by the informative Prince George Pieces, he may have been carrying one his grandfather Prince Charles received as a gift during an engagement.

It's a particularly special year in Mustique as Carole Middleton's 60th birthday will be celebrated on the island. No doubt Pippa will have very exciting party plans in the offing to mark the milestone birthday. It's a great opportunity for William and Kate to enjoy time in the sun with Prince George and the Middletons before their second child arrives in April.

'A shearling coat is a key investment for AW14 and Casper is exemplary. An update on last season's Darwin jacket, Casper has been made from the finest sheepskin and lining with sumptuously soft shearling, perfect for staying snug and stylish on cooler days.'

Fans of the brand may be interested to know there's still an ongoing sale on the US/Canada website with 40% off with the code '40SALE'.

Did they go with royal staff and guards? I thought they could have some relax, time to spend just with members of the family without thinking about work. I know Will, Kate and George are Royals but i thought they often choose Mustique because it's a so isolated location which provides privacy.. Btw i hope they are enjoying the vacation! So lucky them, so jealous! My favourite hat is the one Kate wore in Belgium, so classy! I loved the entire outfit!

Luxurious spot. As a mum of two small people, one George's age, I look at that villa layout and shudder at how much stuff would be destroyed by my busy kids. And the pool! The entire group will have to watch George like a hawk the whole time to make sure he doesn't get into trouble in the pool. Don't think I could relax, even there, with that pool being unfenced ;)

Love the Betty Boop beret. Kate suits it so well, every time she wears it.

I know what you mean - it would not be relaxing with the pool and all that gorgeous stuff if George is anything like my kids!! They may stay somewhere else next year!! I often wonder how on earth little George copes with all the travel - driving between London and Anmer Hall must be a nightmare with a child that age!

Good for them to be able to have a vacation away from the cold! However, what a pain it must be to organize such a trip with bodyguards, figure out how many need to go, where they sleep, etc... I don't envy that aspect.

I hope they have a relaxing holiday!!! Having George at the beach, what a blast. I always took my boys to the ocean and have great memories.Voted for the Dove Gray hat because I love the style but, the Gina Foster green hat was very close. So like the LK Bennett jacket.Thank you Charlotte for the lovely post. Have a wonderful weekend !

YAY! I won my pool that Kate would take TWO weeks in Mustique to celebrate her mother's 60th birthday this year. Charlotte, I would not at all be upset if, in honor of the occasion, you posted a new beautiful Caribbean photo each day of the vacation. I wonder if Kate and George wore the exact same outfit as last year - so the airport photos would not have much value - like she does in the park. How hilarious would that be. Same clothes but with a pregnant belly and George wearing a bigger sized onesie.

Most likely who ever got the photos - is negotiating the price.

Royalfan, as a gesture of good will - I was going to purchase the jacket and send it to you! Alas, it is still $800 out of my price range. But it's the thought that counts.

Thank you, Moxie & Bluhare for a much-needed laugh today. The idea of that airport photo duplicating last year's----HA! And then the shearling jacket from the prison laundry . . . I want one too! It's cold here. lol

Love that they got away to the sunshine. But I'm with all the others shuddering at the amount of running all the adults will have to do to keep George from everything dangerous there, which is just about everything!

I have to admit that I find the hats a little odd. As an Australian, we have hats that serve a purpose. These hats just don't seem to fit her head and always look like they are at a strange angle. I know most people would disagree, but I have always preferred her outfits without a hat.

I love larger brimmed hats and I wish Kate would wear more of them. I'm not very fond of the smaller ones she wears, but for some reason I love the Betty Boop on her. She has always combined it with just the right coat and the overall looks have been amazing.

Me too, Anon 4.39! In Italy we do not wear so many hats, especially those fascinators have, for our taste, a strange look, a little funny as it were. The only one I like is Betty Boop, it has a simple shape, a consistent volume, and it suits the shape of the head. There is some decoration but it is not strange nor baroque. Nothing superfluous indeed.

You're not alone in that opinion! She is such a beautiful woman--weird "hats" plopped on her forehead doesn't add to her beauty, IMO. She obviously favors the "structured beret" style, which I don't care for in general. I would also like to see more of the larger hats, like what she wore before she got married, or the size of the famous "potato chip hat".

I think her hats are part of her being amazing. In my country we don't wear hats but I think wearing fascinators is part of being English (or maybe just a Royal, i don't know..) Just like wearing a kilt in Scotland, maybe?I've always found really funny looking at Kate's outfit with a fascinator. But maybe i'm saying that just because I'm not from the UK.I love the one Kate wore in Belgium and the one from the Easter day that she wore at the state visit too. While i'm not a fan of the Betty Boop one at all. I like when she wear hats that are funny, a little strange. I think that's part of her charm.Anna

Choosing a favorite hat was not easy. I like all of them and would wear all of them as well.

I wonder if Kate will permanently retire the JT hat she wore for the Singapore State visit b/c that event I'm certain does not evoke good memories for her. In video of that day, it's evident that something happened b/4 they arrived to pick up the Tans at their hotel room to make Kate angry with Wm. She was angry throughout that day. The Daily Mail commented that she looked pensive in a photograph of her in the carriage. Not seeing video of everything, I can see why DM got the wrong impression from a still photograph. Kate also angrily muttered something to Wm under her breath right after she joined him on the platform and later was choking back tears when they stood side-by-side on the platform. But she quickly re-gained her composure. Of course editing may have cut out some of the time she was fighting tears. I felt so sorry for those two that day. Wm kept looking at the camera when they were on the platform and I could see that he badly wanted a private minute to assuage the situation. All married couples have tiffs and then have to wait to find a private moment to work through it. Kate and Wills undoubtedly worked it out when they were away from the cameras.

Hahha, uhm... You must have been seeing things. You know she was still battling HG right? You know, fighting the impulse to puke on the esteemed guests. Try going in a carriage then and see how happy you would look!

Many of us commented that she looked ill that day. A bouncy carriage is hardly a help with HG.Feeling nauseated and fearing you will be sick is bad enough at home, or even at work, where you could get to the loo, but imagine feeling like that when driving down the Mall.

Anon 9:24, I'm sorry, but your comments presuming a fight between William and Catherine seem, to me, to be out of place, unless you were present and have first hand knowledge of an alleged fight. Yes all married couples do fight, but Catherine was still extremely ill, as mentioned by other posters. I'd hate to see a rumor started.

Looked ill to me too. Carriages are quite bouncy and Kate is not supposed to be too good with horses. If there was any disagreement, it might be over whether she would attend -- but I frankly think she was just poorly.

OMG Anon 9:24 Whjere do you get off starting a rumor that W&K were fighting that day? First off she has/still was very sick with HG but still made the appearance. I guess you have not seen the photos of William looking very; worried about his wife. If she as starting to cry I bet it was because she hurt alot and felt like she was going to throw up. I had HG with both of my pregnancy and I can tell you the last place I would want to b e is meeting some head of state and riding in a carriage.So beofr eyou go off and start rumors of a fight between W&K check your facts first.

I had HG and when the original post for the state visit was the topic of discussion he saw what I was looking at. I watched part of a video as well and the first thing he said was, "You used to get that look on your face whilst pregnant right before your stomach would revolt." I never realized it was that obvious to him. When we originally discussed DoC that day most of us thought she looked ill and tired. I still think that is a solid assumption. I am glad that she seems to be feeling better though. Even when I started to feel better and wasn't sick as often I was still exhausted. Some days walking felt like I was trying to walk out of the ocean whilst the backwash from the waves was trying to pull me back in.

Agreed with bluhare here. Seems hypocritical to put someone down for not "checking their facts" when none of us know why she looked less happy than usual. Over 50% of the comments on this blog are speculation. We're all guilty of it.

Camilla, Kate is on vacation. That is a fact, supported by evidence. The original poster might be convinced Kate was angry, but there are just as many convinced she was ready to vomit. Which one's the fact? Truth is, we don't know althought most of us side on the side of nausea.

Anonymous, that poster always tries to stir. She tried so hard under her old name, she now posts as Anonymous.

So I'm really not trying to say I support the idea that Kate wasn't sick and indeed mad at William, because I'm sure the lingering effects of HG were tough on her, but I also highly, highly doubt that she would have made that visit if she was feeling at all at risk to vomit. The royal family would not want a future Queen to be seen vomiting in public, and even more importantly, would not want to risk the baby in any way. I also really can't imagine them putting her in a carriage if she was really that close to throwing up. I know there was some public pressure for her to resume appearances. But since when have they cared about that? I don't mean that in a bad way - they absolutely should not let public pressure overwhelm the need to protect Kate and the baby's health. And given how much leeway Kate has been given since marrying William in terms of royal duties, I just don't see that protection doing anything but increasing when she's carrying the "spare". Again, not trying to say she and William were causing problems. Just saying that everyone on this thread is making assumptions. Not just anon who wants to say they were fighting.

Maggie -- We are all operating on assumptions when we post here about 99% of the time. I try not to harp about DoC not doing enough appearances but it is because of her limited number of engagements that most of what we post is conjecture.

Just wanted to add about HG that you can be feeling well and not throw up for days and all of the sudden it can start up again. As far as the carriage ride goes it may have not been known to be a problem. Since she hadn't ridden in one for a while it may just be she thought she was fine and was having a good day as far as the HG went and so she decided to participate. Then once things got started it became an issue. Would have been hard to pull her mid engagement. Again that is conjecture on my part but when I had HG if I felt decent at all I tried to accomplish tasks. Sometimes mid task I realized it wasn't a smart idea.

Heck she could have just had a bad day. George could have broken something at home, her favorite shoes broke, etc. My conjecture, and that of many women that post, is based on her two bouts of HG and the fact she hadn't been in public for a while because she was ill. So when she looked ill we just ran with it. Unfortunately, again because she does such a limited number of public engagements, we have limited chances to observe her and we use our tiny knowledge based on what we do see.

Yes Maggie,exactly what i have been thinking since i read the comments on that singapore day and also now here it start again! If there was even the slightest possibility of her having to vomit, she would not have been there. She looks very tired and maybe is nauseous but i am a thousand percent sure that they would not put her through this/she wouldn't do this to herself if she was still vomiting, for all the reasons Maggie stated. I am quite convinced that this was under control at least two weeks before this visit. All their actions tell that her engagement/stateswomen role is second to her first one: breeding the heir and spare and be comfortable.

Right, I'll admit it : I'm jealous !!! Gosh, to spend two weeks on a paradise island, after having had fun renovating a beautiful country home and a London palace... To spend an idyllic holiday now, when I'm crumbling a bit under pressure and life seems tough, although many people are far worse off than I am, so I shouldn't complain. Just to be carefree... How wonderful.Yep, I don't begrudge them all this and I'm delighted to see people enjoying luxury. But just for today I'll wallow a bit in my jealousy and eat some chocolate :-)

There certainly are perks to being royalty! Too there are downsides--constantly being in the public eye, having private and personal moments invaded by media, receiving constant criticism from people you don't even know.

It's a charmed life in many ways, but one with warts, too. That said, I wouldn't say no to a week or two at one of those fabulous villas!

Sunshine holidays aren't really a part of being royal -- although a priviliged life is. It is part of being William and Kate and being a Middleton. Princess Margaret was the only other British royal who went routinely on sunning holidays -- and was not loved for it -- although Edward and Sophie have occasionally and so has Camilla. The British public is almost certainly paying for the expenses of the security officers -- and their details are most likely organised through royal protection -- with no burden to William and Kate.

I have mixed feelings. The cold is appalling at the moment and most of their British subjects would be lucky to have a budget trip to Spain this month. An important part of being royal is having enormous wealth and priviliges without making people truly envious -- the queen has done this brilliantly-- choosing to holiday for the most part at her own homes, even with considerable time off, she is mostly not resented. Although she has taken an occasional horsy detour on her official visits.

But it is Carole's birthday and Kate has worked, although she still feels sometimes to me like the little girl who has to eat her veggies when she crams several engagments together just before going on holiday and has a shopping spree just before. Hope someday she will have a normal, if not too heavy, working schedule spread out that doesn't seem to be linked to doing something for herself. But she is working more since autumn. Once the baby is a respectable age next autumn I hope she continues at the same rate, at least. With the terrible Andrew publicity still out there -- the family really needs a boost.

Leo, Diana took the boys on similar holidays. Charles vacationed in sunny Italy (with a certain lady friend). Edward and Sophie have as well but we will never know how often because no one is stalking their every move. It's true that the Queen's vacations are far less likely to be resented because of the difference in climate, but that doesn't mean we should begrudge W&K a vacation in a warmer climate. And if the Middleton's are included, even better. They're not enjoying the wild life with the rich and famous. It's a family holiday and a healthy balance for two future kings.

I don't think a sunning holiday is the same now as before. Now everyone and their mother goes to warmer places. Almost every middle class swede saves up and goes to Thailand in the winter :P So it's not the same as before.

I don't know, Rebecca. Not everyone from the middle class here in Italy goes on vacation in warmer places that are so expensive. It's a luxurious travel for us. Even if we have Sardinia and lots of other beautiful places by the sea, during winter it's too cold outside.Anna

Lots of people can't afford to travel -- particularly in January (Christmas bills.) Diana did have an occasional holiday in the sun -- there was one with Charles when she was pregnant with William and later with her mother, sisters and their children but I don't remember a real pattern of holidays until after the divorce. Charles and Camilla have occasionally but again not regularly -- same with Edward and Sophie -- and the extreme cold is going to make this holiday more noticable than others.

Let's say that in the Western World, even with different climates, today travels are far more diffused that they used to be.I'm Italian, and where I live in the north winters are pretty cold. And even people my age are saving up and going more and more.

Laura 14:59 - The facts do not support the popular view that Kate is always in the public eye.

Kate is rarely in the public eye, but you and I are constantly in the public eye.

In 2014, Kate was in public only about 50 days*. Which means 315 days last year she was not in the public eye at all.

Most of us are in the public eye 300-350 days per year. Healthy suburban/urban adults who work full-time outside the home are in the public eye 250 days per year several times per day as we commute, run errands or go to lunch. Add weekend activities and it turns out we, the working stiffs spend much more time in a public space than Kate does or ever will.

And every time we visit a public space, we are all subject to continuous myriad forms of surveillance such as security cameras, license plate scanners, stoplight cameras, HOV lane scanning etc.

Kate's life is much much more private than yours or mine will every be.

*37 unique work days in 2014 + 13 days (approx) reported public sightings for personal reasons (shopping, social events, outing with George)

Anon 11:10, I don't agree that her life is more private. Not being out and photographed for us to see as proof (of whatever) does not equate to privacy. She lives in a fishbowl with various levels of staff, PPO's, security cameras, etc. If you or I go to Starbucks, no one gives a fig. She can't go without first telling a PPO and setting wheels in motion. Then it becomes front page news with people commenting on her hair and what she ordered. I don't call that privacy.

I seriously disagree with the perception that Kate has less freedom than the average joe.

I don't think that no one gives a fig when I go to Starbucks - people who see me and rub shoulders with me certainly do. Everyone has to look presentable, be polite and abide by social norms when they step out of the house. It is not as if we are are exempt from having to follow social etiquette simply because we are normal people. I don't quite understand why her going out in public is viewed as this big HUGE exceptional burden that none of us share. I certainly would not venture out in a robe without brushing my teeth - would you?

So what if it becomes front page news if she goes out ? It is quite easy to just shrug and ignore it. I certainly would, without any qualms whatsoever. People have this notion that celebrities sit around moping about what is written about them, when most people have gone on record saying that they really really don't. They are quite happy to ignore people's opinions of their hair and clothes. I suspect that the perception of public life has been colored by Diana's experience - for people of her generation. Diana was enormously affected by public perception. But that is because she had a loveless marriage that consumed her and drove her to distraction. If she had been an emotionally healthy human, like Kate, who is loved by many and adored by her husband I think that she would find it quite easy to give two figs about what the public thought of her blue eye shadow and would have happily enjoyed the perks of her status.

As for having PPOs and staff around... I wonder if you have any experience with household help ? Because you DO know that cleaners and cooks like to work when people are not around - right ? Kate's staff probably get their work done when she is at the gym. I seriously doubt that she even knows WHO cleans her 21 bedroom KP flat. She probably has seen them around once in a while and nodded a hello... that is about all the interaction she is expected to have with any of them. It's not as if they are prowling about her home and she is ducking under the covers when a housemaid wanders over to her bedroom !

So, yeah, I agree with Moxie. By all means sign me up for this lifestyle and "job".

Bluhare, I think it's rather difficult for a non-native to see at first that a word is a Bluhare-language and not a true English-language one. But as I always go through the dictionary, I hope I will catch someone… :)

Paola, I will try to make sure the idea I want to convey comes across when I get silly. I imagine sometimes you guys look at each other and shake your heads at some of the things I write. Well, so do others, but maybe not for the same reasons. :)

I quite imagine they live like this all the time privately - only the scenery changes - town (London) and country (Norfolk, Balmoral) and beach vacations (insert expensive resort here - Seychelles, Maldives, Mustique) and short hops - France, Spain, New York. Publicly they are escorted around to what ever country has invited them and they are shown the best that country has to offer.

At home, Kate does about a dozen charity appearances annually- for about an hour or so - has flowers and gifts for her children thrown at her, and then accompanies her husband in his role. (Islington and Kensington was the first time she made a solo appearance where she did openings for projects in which she was not a patron. She was the royal family representative.) She doesn't give speeches and she has staff to do the research and prep her before she meets the public.

In her private life, she has unlimited resources for clothing, jewelry, housewares, gifts, and hobbies. She does not have to cook, clean, do laundry, do the landscaping chores, and she has help with the children whenever she wants it. She stays with her parents often and is cared for by people who love her in addition to ones who are employed to do so.

Moxie, no one can dispute the perks that come with the job (although I suspect you would not use the word "job" :) , but I would find it suffocating to live that way. I don't have their money, but I have my freedom.

I agree with you, Moxie! Talking about no "freedom", it's part of her "job" (being A Royal) But Kate has a family who really loves her, they help and support her. She's so lucky, i'm happy for her! Anna

I agree with you Moxie. I have never understood why people make Kate's life sound so difficult. I think the perks far out weight the negatives. She looses some of her freedom, but she also gained a lot by getting to go places others could only dream of. Or going places that are then shut down just for her. The public adores her, so she never has to worry about anything negative in the press. Even when she wears something that looks terrible, the press still praise her. Right now they are even saying how much she deserves a vacation after all her hard work this month. I mean seriously, come on!!! Everything she does is fawned over. Plus, it has always looked to me that she likes the attention.

So, I am with Moxie and would rather enjoy that lifestyle. Yes, when she goes out people recognize her, but they all adore her. Not a bad life! Seriously Moxie, you gave the perfect list!!!!

I don't agree that Kate doesn't have to worry about anything negative in the press. She'll get turned on like everyone else if she doesn't meet expections. Three Kitchens Kate anyone?

Other than that I agree with you Anonymous. I did roll my eyes at a comment (is it here? Can't remember and my laziness to scroll around and look is legendary) that Kate deserves a vacation because she had a birthday and worked three days this month. A birthday. They're very taxing. I ought to know; I've had a lot of them.

It makes me giggle to read about how having staff means living in a fishbowl, etc. They're her staff. I don't think the nanny and housekeeper just follow Kate everywhere and watch her all the time. I DO think that having staff means she has the luxury to tell the housekeeper to cook dinner because she's too tired, or tell the nanny to deal with George if he wakes up that night because she has to get up early the next morning. I'm not saying she does these things, but she has those options. And yes, she has to have security around her all the time. But unlike most women, she will never have to worry about being sexually assaulted because she's walking home late at night after a 12-hour shift. I don't doubt that Kate's life isn't perfect, and has many stresses. But she will never have to worry about having a place to live, food to eat, or clothes to wear. She will never have to worry about managing to afford a good education for her children. So yeah. Having people take pictures of you in your private time is intrusive. And having negative press sucks. But I don't know very many people who wouldn't take a free, renovated ten-bedroom country mansion and a lavish city home with a life that has everything paid for, in exchange for the public wanting to know about your life. And yes, I know it's hard to do appearances when you will be judged by millions across the globe for how you look, etc. But you know what else is hard? Having to give a speech because otherwise you will lose your job. Everyone is saying that Kate should get time to adjust to her life. I don't necessarily disagree. But most other people do not have that luxury with their jobs like Kate does. Bosses are generally not sympathetic if you ask them for extra time to learn the ropes to something. So yes, Kate has hardships in her life. But the normal person has about 238839018 more hardships.

bluhare that comment you read was an article on Hello. That is where I read it anyway. It made me roll my eyes too:). So stupid that they threw her birthday in there like that makes her deserving of a vacation! Plus 3 days of work is a joke. She hasn't 'worked' since early December. 3 days in almost 6 weeks is nothing! That is why I feel like the press never really says anything bad.

I feel like the press is pretty lenient with Kate. Maybe because I only really see Hello, which as we just stated above, they praise her every moment. For the most part, I only see positive articles. I feel like the British media though has to only praise Kate or else the Royal family would attack them. Maybe I'm wrong, but that is how it seems.

Moxie and Maggie - I totally agree with you both. Kate has an idyllic life. The family will never experience ordinary stresses to make life arduous. And when they do feel a bit maxed out with whatever it is that makes them feel stressed, they can disappear for a break.I did laugh at the comments about how sunning holidays are not really considered snobbish anymore. I think that depends on *where* you go for your sunning holiday, right?Mustique? Playground of the rich and famous. Let's not pretend they are anything else but.

The reason for my comment: I think all the press and comments about how normal Kate and William are is pretty disingenuous. They are very privileged and have been raised that way. And consequently, I think they have a limited ability to relate to people who live different (less wealthy) lifestyles and all that entails.

Did any of you read any of Pippa Middleton's opinion pieces for the Telegraph? I recall one piece she wrote about learning to box. Her comments about the neighbourhood and clientele of the boxing gym, and her instructor, showed (I think) quite a lot about what kind of person she is - rich and pretty snobbish. Though a nice person, probably. I don't know her or her life.

Also, yes, Kate faces negative publicity from time to time. But while most people have to worry a lot about angering the people paying their salary, Kate will never have to worry about that unless the Cambridges just really buck public opinion for decades and somehow manage to spur on the strongest anti-royal movement ever. Sure, they are sometimes tied down a little by what their PR office determines to look good or bad. But not nearly as much as most of us as tied down in our actions by how we think they will be perceived by our bosses. For example, Kate has gotten some flak lately for not working, but she also faces the luxury of knowing she won't be "fired." She will not lose Kensington, or her free clothing budget from Charles. And she knows that in a few years, if she steps up her work, no one will care about her past work ethic, or lack thereof. Whereas for most people, they'd probably be fired before getting the opportunity to step up their work. And yes, Kate got negative press for her "three kitchens." But that did not in any way actually stop her from being able to have her perfect kitchens (one of which for free in her free housing). (Bluhare I'm not disagreeing with your point at all; just how others are spinning the same point). I just honestly don't understand what is so suffocating about the way they live. Everyone is judged by the people around them. That's not limited to Kate.

I couldn't help but imagine myself in every picture as I scrolled through the gallery for Villa Rocina. It's 20 degrees F (warmest day in a week) and lightly snowing where I am, with 3 feet of snow on the ground. I'd just love a little bit of warm sun, humid air, and sand. I'll join the wallow.

Still can't vote for the hats using my Safari or Firefox browsers on any device, or through my email. Oh well!

They didn't do much this last year anyway, what is this vacation for? Honestly, as much as I like following royals sometimes I can't help but question - what is their purpose exactly? Some of us do little and jet off to the tropical islands, others work 9-5 and get to choose the perfect hat out for a stranger, haha!

This holiday is something the Middletons have been going on every year in January for many years. William went alot when they were just dating. But this year it is special, it is Carole's 60th birthday.

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Thanks Charlotte for your hard work. A very happy 60th birthday to Carole Middleton. May Will, Kate and George have a great restful time and come back refreshed and ready for all the challenges ahead of them.

How lovely to be in the Carribean, I would just like to point out that they are all rich and famous, they may not be partying on down, but they are definitely rich and most certainly the most famous people in the the world !! No poor people are renting a luxury villa in Mustique. I'm sure they will have a great holiday but they will spend thousands Royal fan, not everybody has the luxurious option of going to Mustique, at least I've been to St Lucia airport .....

What a great post, I loved pouring over the photos of Rocina in Mystique. One can but dream and imagine the gently lapping ocean and balmy atmosphere!

It certainly does look like it's right on the beach unlike the Aurora and my guess is it also has a garden with lawns (and lovely big trees) which gives Prince George some room to run around and play in. Accommodating the protection officers would also be a major consideration, with William being there as well this year. Perhaps they have the two bottom level bedrooms? I have to smile thinking of the PO's being assigned on this trip - imagine waking up to that view every morning, even though they are still working!

I do wonder how many staff Will and Kate took with them? I checked TripAdvisor and even the most luxurious villa is self-catering. With that many people, there will be lots of meals to prepare, laundry to do and general housekeeping duties. Perhaps they take turns in meal preparation. I believe even William knows his way around a kitchen.

That's a very amusing thought. William and Kate and all the Middletons trekking over to Mustique only to schlepp over to the kitchen to produce meals for their protection officers ... which they would probably have to operate like a factory line.

No. I doubt that is what happens. They are waited hand and foot by the house staff. The protection officers have to fend for themselves and eat at restaurants. You don't think that they eat from the same kitchen at the same table, do you ?

Aon 21:06 Why do you think that they will not cook for themselves? Both Kate & Pippa love to cook. Just because there is a cook and all does not mean they use them. And again are you there to see how they are waited on hand & foot? It just floors me that people assume all this happens but we don't know because we are not there.

Daisy, high-dollar estates like the one they're staying at - and that you probably won't find advertised on TripAdvisor - come equipped with staff to tend to their needs. I would expect that Will and Kate took along several staff as well, the nanny certainly and a couple of assistants. And I'd also expect that this vacation was planned in advance and that anyone serving or around the royals has been vetted and cleared through security. It's not like they're jumping on a plane and flying off to Disney World.

There was a discussion recently about Kate wearing unknown brands to help them. Here is an account by the designer of the new earrings she wore with the brown hobbs dress.

“Our website crashed, it went absolutely mad but I’m beside myself with happiness. She got them at the jewelry boutique ‘Felt’ in Chelsea, they are very popular earrings, but now even more so since she wore them. They’ve completely sold out, but fans are adding themselves to the three-week waiting list.

They are made in Indonesia by just one family. That’s the great thing about Kate wearing these — they are made in a little village by a lovely family. So now all the cousins, aunties, everyone in the family are rallying round to help out.”

Umm.. It is probably a happy accident that she stumbled upon these earrings. It is not as if she sought out this one jewelry line knowing how the earrings are produced and then decided to promote them in order to help these families. If she had that kind of social conscience we would have seen many more instances like this.

I think what I find troublesome is that although K and W wish to live quasi normal lives, they choose to avoid / evade royal duties. Yet they want to be a working class-ish family as William gets certification as an air ambulance pilot or what have you. Maybe we all preferred them as they were in Angelsey because they were 100% relatable as members of the working class. Now they have the trappings of the Royal Lifestyle and I think we want them to somehow earn it. Yes I know they meet behind the scenes at their charities and trusts etc. I know it's wrong of me to assume their work ethic. Yet, if we were to abide by HM the Queen's credo: to be seen is to be believed, then I fear that those two are teetering on the fine line of 'celebrity'. We see so little of them that it evokes this hunger to want more.

Maybe I'm wrong to believe that you earn a vacation after working for it. I'm not in the societal class where people jet off on a whim. Maybe that's my issue and value system.

Maybe after all of the plane crashes, shootings in France, and acts of terrorism, we all want some happy news. For some reason, this isn't cutting it. I think I'll go find photos of Prince George. :) Cheers.

Deanne, I don't think your gut reaction is wrong at all. In fact, you articulated something I've been feeling when I read coverage of these vacations. I get that William and Kate have enough money to jet off to Mustique whenever they want and I don't begrudge or envy them for that. However, I too am used to thinking of vacations as something people do as a break/reward for hard work - obviously that's not totally logical, as there are plenty of socialites and trust fund kids who can live their lives permanently on vacation, but those aren't people we're told to look up to. The royal family is supposed to set an example for the rest of the UK and represent the UK at the world stage, and I'm not sure what example William & Kate's luxurious vacations and lavish houses coupled with very little public work are setting. Basically, their message seems to be, "If you're lucky to be born/marry into the right family, you can enjoy a life of unimaginable luxury with only the bare minimum of public service." It makes them interesting to follow as celebrities but they are so far from role models that I get confused when I see them discussed as such.

Anon 19:11 I disagree with you & Deanne. First off this holiday that they are on right now is the first holiday thye have taken since before they went on the tour last April. Second this is one that the Middletons have taken for years even before William & Kate were together.There is no message they are sending unless you all want to make up one. I have on idea why a family can not go on a holiday without everyone putting up such a stink.As far as I and a few others here do not think they owe us any reason for going on holiday. They sure do not need our approval.

So I don't want to get too involved into this debate about whether or not they "deserve" a holiday, but Anon at 23:59, I think you're incorrect about this being their first holiday since April of last year. They took the entirety of August off to go to Berkshire and Norfolk. Kate also took all of May off. And I think they went back for a vacation at Balmoral in late October or November. And then another almost month-long vacation from mid-December to mid-January. Not saying they can't do all of this, but saying that this is their first holiday since last April seems untrue.

Maggie, you wrote what I was going to. Anon at 23:59, just because they have not gone to the Caribbean does not mean they have not taken a vacation. I have counted 4-5 since April (two of which have almost been a month long).

The fact is they take a lot of vacations without really doing anything. I actually think Anon at 19:11 is very spot on. And I believe the more they do as little 'work' as possible yet take a ton of vacations, the public will start getting upset. These two are in the honeymoon stage with the public. But sooner or later, people are going to start getting annoyed that they do so little! Them being a nice looking couple will only last so long.

Anon at 23:59, people are only putting up a 'stink' about this vacation because they take so many with hardly doing anything. If this really were their first vacation since April, no one would say anything. However, since they just took off the last several weeks around the Holiday with Kate then only working 3 days, it seems a little silly. Especially since this is a 2 week vacation. They just had so much time off and now are going on holiday again. These two take more vacations than they work. They seem more like socialites than anything else right now. I don't mind them taking a vacation here and there, but I am truly sick of people acting like they so deserve it!

Anon 19:11, I interpreted what you said to mean that the royal family is supposed to set an example in its members' actions for the rest of the nation, and in a way be representative of the general population similarly to elective public figures. I find it fascinating that the percieved role of the monarchy has changed so drastically in just a few hundred years. Well, I suppose it isn't shocking, but it is drastic. Thing back to Henry VIII and his traveling court, living a life of wonderful luxury, enjoying regular lavish feasts, playing games, bedding ladies of the court. He was expected to exude wealth and power as a symbol of his position, which is is stark contrast with the expected role of today's Queen and the rest of her family. It seems that the monarchy is held to rather democratic standards. This change began with the English Civil War and slow stripping of Monarch power replaced by that of the Parliament, but is there any documentation of the shift in public expectation? I know this is outside the scope of regular conversation here, but it is very relevant.

I feel like the English Civil War WAS the shift in public expectation. The monarchy was seen as too lavish and not justifying its existence. As a result, now, the British royal family "justifies" all of its perks by having patronages and doing appearances. And it seems fair to me. I think the British royal family is hugely symbolic and represents important history, but I also think that in the 21st century, we are beyond thinking that some people are more important than others simply by luck of birth, and as a result, do not think that a royal family member deserves funding from the nation just because they were born into the royal family, if they are not doing things to be useful to the nation. Then again, I live in the US, so I probably shouldn't be answering this question :)

It is fascinating that the role of the monarchy has changed. Like you, say, if you look back to Henry VIII, living luxury without giving so much back to the subjects was the norm.In the last 100 years, the RF has become much more philanthropic, involved, less hidden away and harder working. It's why I find it so interesting that people think WK are "modernizing the monarchy" when they are throwing it way way back.

I looked into activities and events on the island and it seems there is a Blues festival on now until 4 February. Do you think the Middleton clan attends any of these performances?http://www.mustique-island.com/activities/promotions

Also, check out the Activities Guide for the island:http://www.mustique-island.com/static/flipbooks/activities15/index.html

One of the anons says: I too am used to thinking of vacations as something people do as a break/reward for hard work ...

Not true. A vacation is a vacation. Not a reward. It's time that you can take off and spend elsewhere. Something some people like and choose to take regardless of how hard they work. Others prefer to 'staycation' at home while there are those who take off for some sunnier clime every chance they get. Some who find the prospect tedious. It has nothing to do with how hard either camp works.

The Middleton family started a Mustique tradition. Nice. Kind of like a Balmoral tradition but somewhat smaller scale (and you don't have the upkeep of the pile). No biggie. All this talk of work and reward is very middle class--something the royals are not.

Yes the Royals are not middle class. However, they are Royals, not socialites or just rich kids. A lot of their expenses are paid for by tax payers. Therefore they are held to a higher standard. They can't expect to vacation all the time, while others work and pay for their play. Yes, I know the Middletons are paying for the trip. However, who is paying for their protection officers?? Their 'subjects'!!!

You cannot just give them a pass since they are not middle class. They are Royals and therefore are expected to give back to the community that supports their lifestyle! Your thinking comes across as very elitist, sad to say.

@Philly "All this talk of work and reward is very middle class--something the royals are not." - Do you hear yourself? What you're saying here is that middle class, a good solid people who work for what they have should feel ashamed of questioning why these two live off of others and consider themselves above others.

Their protection officers are going to cost quite a bit of money on this trip. I'm sure they get paid extra for traveling, not to mention I'm sure they have extra officers. When the Cambridges fly first class, so do the protection officers, on the public's dime. And then the protection officers have to eat and be housed the entire time in Mustique. And there's no way all the PPO's fit in a villa/cottage with the Middletons and Cambridges - the last time Kate and William went to a wedding, I think they had something like 5 PPO's with them. And that wasn't in a foreign location, and was without George. Anyways, it's a conundrum I haven't been able to resolve, because on one hand, Kate and William are costing taxpayers a LOT of money on this trip, so I do agree that working for it would be nice. On the other hand, they don't really have a choice in terms of the protection officers going with them. I'm sure if they could, they'd leave them all at home. Should their vacationing really be limited because of security threats to their family? Technically, I think not. That probably wouldn't be fair. That being said, they could not stay two entire weeks at Mustique (if that is indeed true). And the Queen faces the same conundrum and makes, in my opinion, the more admirable choice, to vacation at royal country homes where there is already security. But the Queen also works hard, so I wouldn't begrudge her some sunning every once in awhile. That being said, this is a family holiday for the Middletons, and Kate doesn't deserve to have to miss that just because of her increased security. So at the end of the day, I don't think it's entirely fair to say the Cambridges have to work in order to justify taxpayers paying for their security when they vacation, because it's not their decision to have security. But I also think I would respect them more if they acted a little like they cared and did things to adjust (not fly first class, not stay two weeks, fly some closer/cheaper, or heck, just work more). Or, really, the most fair thing to do would be to have them pay the difference in security cost (b/w if they are at Kensington/Anmer vs Mustique) when they choose to travel. The royals, of all people, can certainly afford it. And if they can't, then why should others (who can less afford it) be forced to bankroll it? And I'm sure part of the reason they choose to go to Mustique is because of the privacy afforded to them there. So the public is paying for a much more exclusive and expensive vacation (in terms of security) because the Cambridges have an extreme aversion to pictures being taken of them. While they have the right to dislike pictures all they want, I'm not sure that the public should have to accommodate that. Again, not sure the royals should have to make decisions based on this. But it would just be nice to see them act a little more considerate of these things, like the Queen, and most other royals, do.

Also I don't know if I'd call a Mustique tradition "smaller scale" than a Balmoral tradition. Balmoral is one of the Queen's homes. She goes to her country home to vacation. She would have to pay for upkeep even if she didn't vacation there. In fact, many on this page have said in defense of Will and Kate that going to Anmer Hall isn't a vacation, it's just them relocating to their country home. Mustique, on the other hand, is an 8 hour flight in first class + a private jet away. It's a semi-private island, and the villa that the Cambridges and Middletons rent out comes with 5 staff, and is right on the beach, along with having a gorgeous pool. Just look at those pictures. It costs 20,000 pounds a week. Balmoral may be big, but in the grand scheme of things, again, it's just the Queen's country home.

@ IP who claims: What you're saying here is that middle class, a good solid people who work for what they have should feel ashamed of questioning why these two live off of others and consider themselves above others.

No I am not. You are. Those are not words which left my mouth or appeared in print at my fingertips. Wasn't even a thought in my head.

Philly& Anon 23:59: I admitted to being wrong as they are by far middle class. :) I guess I find it odd that we (some of us) project our value system onto the Royals. Yet, we somehow wish for them to be mere commoners. - we revere her wardrobe, love that she buys items on sale and re wears clothing. All activities, WE do. Yet they're not us. We'll await her next official appearance or birth of their second child and call it a day. :) And as usual, Charlotte will do any amazing job reporting it!! :)

This sums up my thoughts so perfectly! The royals are not us. That isn't necessarily bad. But it is why I find it hard to not laugh when people say she goes shopping/wears clothes like the rest of us and isn't a clothes horse. It's not bad to care about clothes. But while she sometimes re-wears her public outfits, it is not even close to the same extent that most people re-wear outfits to work. And while she sometimes buys items on sale, she also buys $10,000 dresses and $15,000 coats. And a $50,000 necklace. None of this is bad. But it's not like the average human being. So I totally agree with you, that it's weird that we try to project our value system onto her. And I kind of think that's where the Cambridges are going wrong too. Sometimes it feels like they want us to think of them as commoners, but the problem with that is it means people don't expect them to go on luxurious tropical vacations and I think it means that Kate isn't using her platform for as much good as she could be. I feel like maybe if she saw herself more how everyone else sees her - as a princess with a lot of potential power - maybe she would embrace that and embrace the fact that she can cause a lot of good change in the world.

I totally agree with you, Maggie!Maybe The Cambridges are trying to make us think they're commoners just like us (and they're not) in order to have more people interested in what they do, in their patronages? I Mean, i like The Royal family and The Cambridges, but before The Royal Wedding (and Kate) people were less curious about them. I'm talking about The period between Diana and Kate.Even if They're Royals and not commoners :)Anna

Kate has middle class habits because her family developed those habits long ago. She is acquiring royal habits, but carefully. It's an interesting mixture, and I think Kate is sorting it out as she goes along, with both respect for the Duchy of Cornwall income and her husband's private income, and awareness of what his position requires.

Anon at 15:19 - It's entirely possible they're trying to act like commoners so people are more interested in their patronages. But I don't know. If they are "commoners," it seems to defy the point of a royal family, you know? Or maybe that's just in my head. I personally can't imagine not being interested in Kate if she stopped pretending like she was the rest of us, unless she did it only to accept the perks, which in many ways, is what is happening now. I think that the interest in Kate (over the rest of the royals) was definitely partially because she was a "commoner" marrying a prince (but that doesn't mean she's still a commoner!), but also just because it was a love story of ten years, and she was the first young, pretty woman to marry into the royal family in a while. And she's a future Queen, unlike Sophie. And I really sometimes get the feeling that the Cambridges are pushing the image of them being commoners not to generate interest in their patronages, but in order to justify not being "full-time royals." For me, I don't care if Kate spends a ton of money on clothes (Charles gets his Duchy money each year regardless, and if it's not spent on her clothes, it will just be spent on vacations or something else, so it's not like she saves the public money when she doesn't spend money on her wardrobe). While it's cool when she can help a small company out by giving them publicity, I'd really be fine if she wore expensive clothes all the time, if she also did more appearances, and did more at those appearances than just hugging some children, accepting flowers, and smiling. And honestly, I don't think her strategy of not focusing on clothes (if that's even what her strategy is) in order to keep attention on the cause at hand is really working. The media still only talks about her clothes and her hair. I say she should own the star power she has, and use it to really cause important change. Anyways, long story short, the reason I follow the royals is because they aren't like the rest of us. Part of me is jealous of their lives. Most of me has always had a huge interest in European royalty. It's the same reason people watch movies or read books. We want to become immersed in a story involving lives that are not our own. So for me, I want Kate to act like a princess (obviously doesn't have to do what I want, just my opinion). And I think that in society today, that involves an admirable work ethic. Not because the rest of us work hard and she should too, but because she is lucky enough to not even have to work hard to affect more lives than most of us ever will. It's such an incredible platform that she's been given.

Anon at 19:35 - I don't know if Kate grew up in a very typically middle class home. She went to a very prestigious boarding school, which isn't generally associated with being middle class. She's never held a full-time job. I think that while the Middletons' income was upper middle-class as Kate grew up, they managed to provide her with a lifestyle that was more than that (at least in her later years). I don't know many college graduates from middle class families in their twenties who can afford to basically not work because their family is subsidizing their lifestyle of partying and vacationing (while also paying for the college education and then lifestyles of two other children). Did you know that in 2008, Kate went to Mustique twice in the span of a month? Once with her parents and once with William - the vacations were two weeks apart. Heck, the Middletons have been going to Mustique at least once a year since 2007. None of that strikes me as especially middle class. I guess the Middletons are more "normal" than the royal family in that Kate's parents cooked her dinner growing up, whereas William's mostly didn't. But still, not a typical middle-class lifestyle, in my opinion.

Please google images of the houses Kate lived in when she was a child. The early ones were small and plain. Even when she was dating William, the Middleton home was relatively modest though very pretty. It did have outbuildings suitable for the Party Pieces business. The Middletons' move to a large house behind high hedges after the royal wedding was for security reasons and may have had financial assistance from William.

As for education, Kate and her siblings benefited greatly from trusts set up for that purpose by Michael Middleton's father or grandfather. Their private school fees were not paid by their parents. The Middletons have been very successful, but they worked in normal jobs until they founded their business and made it thrive.

The Middletons come from working class, and became middle class and RICH. Money, they've earnt, afforded all of that.But that's still a family in which they cooked and cleaned, and we've seen several pictures of Kate going grocery shopping while in Anglesey - she could have easily had someone go instead.if she didn't have royal privileges, she would lead a middle class life with no problems.

At the time of William and Catherine's engagement, I saw an interview with a member of staff of the Middleton's company, who said that Catherine always made up the time she took to be with William. She only left the post about a month before the wedding, at which time the company advertised for a replacement.Doubtless everyone here will say,"Well she would say that, wouldn't she".The free housing so many complain about, is given to the heir---William, not Catherine and was not delivered until another heir had been produced. It will be his official residence until he becomes KingThe Sandringham house was a private gift to William from his grandmother for his 30th birthday.If HM wanted the Duke and Duchess to become "full-time royals", she would have appointed them to be Royal Colonels of regiments or the equivalent in the RAF or RN- she has not done so. She would also have to pay their expenses to do the full time job.

Thank you, for that very sensible bit, Jean from Lancs. The duties given to William and Catherine are exactly those which the Queen deems appropriate. Not more. Not less. As you point out, she would bear their expenses if they were full time, and HM is known to be frugal in her own privileged way. Those who think people aren't working hard enough might want to write to HM to fix the situation. Less chance of fixing anything by grousing about it here.

So much interesting discussion here in regards to the Middleton/Cambridge vacation. Here's my two cents' worth, for what it's worth - I think that the public approves or disapproves of the royal family's vacation relative to the amount of work they do, ie, the more public work and engagements that a person does, the less likely the public is going to be to be critical of any vacation they take. Will and Kate might be pretty to look at, on the rare occasion when they actually undertake a public royal engagement, but they don't do a lot in the way of work and royal duties. And even if you worship the stilettos that Kate walks on, you have to at least admit that much. They're not the most ambitious couple in the bunch. And don't hold your breath for the "as time goes on, they'll do more." If they were going to throw themselves wholeheartedly into royal duties, I think they'd be doing it now, getting themselves established, etc. Instead, they've shown they've got little to no interest in the work of a royal but that they definitely enjoy the perks of being royal - the paid security, the extraordinary posh treatment, the elite vacations, etc. In a time when the economic situation in the UK and around the world is dim and people are struggling to make ends meet, there couldn't be worse optics for a family who wants to continue in the taxpayer-funded lifestyle to which they've become accustomed. Charles Spencer caused a stir when he said he doesn't think the monarchy will exist in 100 years. I agree with him. I think you'll see a tremendous nosedive in public approval after the queen is gone and that translates, for Parliament, into a real reluctance to keep footing the bill for a bunch of useless aristos. Could they vacation without the approval of the public? Sure. But watch how fast things would change if it was Charles or even William himself footing the bill for the pre-trip security sweeps and for the security team accompanying them to Mustique. It's so odd that everybody gushed over Kate being "just like one of us." I think the only thing she wants "just like one of us" is the anonymity that non-royals enjoy. As far as the rest of "just like us" and the middle-class lifestyle, having to go to a job every day, limited vacation, limited maternity leave, having to cook and clean and tend children every day, I'd expect the duchess would wrinkle her perfect nose and say, in plummy tones, a polite "No thanks."

I was happy to get home, make a cup of coffee, and sign on to read the latest comments here. But with the exception of a couple of them, I think this post has become so depressing and angry over this vacation that I would prefer to stare out my window and await the blizzard. If anyone wants to join me, I have plenty of coffee and hot cocoa.... :))))

I understand that if you're a Kate fan, sometimes the "hate" might get annoying. But I legitimately think that a lot of these conversations are incredibly interesting, and I guess I'm sorry that you don't agree. I also don't know what else we should be talking about. Kate's 5 1-hour appearances this month in which she said nothing and did nothing except smile and hug some children? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad she brought attention to some important causes. But how much more can we talk about those appearances? The subject of the post is the vacation the Cambridges are taking. People are respectfully posting their opinions about it. Open discussion is good. No one calls your posts/opinions depressing and angry. It would be appreciated if you could show some respect to ours'.

Personally, I am coming to make peace with Kate and accept her as she is. She is always going to vacation lavishly despite giving less to the subjects than other working royals. A switch is never going to flip suddenly out of nowhere just because she becomes a Princess or Queen Consort. She is 33 years old. She is never going to change. I am now accepting that. The RFs, British and otherwise, are full of dedicated, hard-working individuals who are inspiring, and I have other people in my life who motivate and inspire me as it is.

As of this moment, I am here for the style, and for Charlotte's dedicated writing, a woman from whom I have learned a lot. I vow not to discuss Kate's lack of work ethic anymore; I am a generally very happy and giving person and I wish to engage in only positive points now, even if it is just to say that those are cute shoes and I want a pair! (I do have to thank Kate for inspiring me to purchase a very versatile pair of nude pumps and coral jeans!)

Please let me preface my comment by saying I bear no ill will toward Kate (might have some toward William, but I'll have to think about that) for going on holiday to a tropical paradise. I would like to go on holiday to a tropical paradise, but the closest I'm going to get is closing the bathroom door, putting the heat lamp on and letting my shower run for a while so it's nice and humid. I've got a fake palm tree in there to set the mood.

But I don't see depression and anger either. I find most of the comments to be very respectful and not hostile at all, although I readily concede I define hostile as hostility toward people posting here. I think Kate's fair game; she's a public figure with a public job. Although please don't get me wrong . . . I can see that the repetition might get annoying just as some of us get a bit sick of the "beautiful Duchess and her handsome husband" ones when there's 100 of them in a row.

IMO, the discussion does tend to veer on the side of criticism when Kate doesn't do much. I haven't said much because she's pregnant, and I don't expect her to keep a full schedule, although we could argue for weeks about what constitutes a full schedule. But Maggie's right; when there isn't much to talk about this is what happens. If it didn't, there'd be 20 comments here about how lovely Kate is, what a rascal George is, and William's the best. It's dull and people tune out when that's all there is.

I tried a bit of positivity a couple of posts ago when people were saying what you just said, and exactly two people participated. And I thank you and Rebecca for doing so. Yes, it was a little silly, but it was a start and I tried and it fell flat.

I like to look at the photos and count my lucky stars that I can admire or dislike William and Catherine from afar. I believe a Royal Reform is necessary to keep the Royal Family "relevant" in these times and in the future. Just my opinion. There are "grumblings" out there, and if anyone wants William and Catherine to make their mistakes, I'm sure there are plenty who would be willing to give them free reign to do so by not offering them sage advice. (wink)

Maggie from Minneapolis & Elizabeth: We are of like minds. I have no ill will towards any Royal. I just am aware as to what extent I will admire them. I will refrain from making any assumptions of who the Duchess is. In future: I hope the Duchess revs up the "bling factor" because who doesn't wish for a few tiaras and parure viewings. :) As for hot cocoa, I prefer a shot of Irish cream in mine! Cheers! :)

This site has turned into something sad and ugly . I think it's time I find s better use of my time. Your lives are your own fault or reward. Hating s woman you've never met is not going to make your lives any better. I'm going on vacation next week sounds like some of the ladies here should do the same.

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